Schaumburg dentist to be honored at Shining Star Ball
Clearbrook's elegant Shining Star Ball returns Friday, April 26, and with it comes the chance to help the agency continue its innovative ways in supporting children and adults with disabilities.
More than 300 people are expected to attend the black-tie gala at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, including members of the Chicago Bears organization and the co-founders of Crate & Barrel, among other notables. WGN radio host Roe Conn returns as master of ceremonies.
The event has grown to be so successful over the years, drawing the support of committed major donors, that organizers expect to raise more than $1 million at the ball, says Annie Palubicki, vice president of communications and events for Clearbrook.
That kind of generosity, she adds, allows the agency to carry out its commitment to creating opportunities that change lives.
"The Shining Star Ball has been Clearbrook's premiere fundraising event since its inception," says Clearbrook President Tony Di Vittorio of the 31-year-old event.
A highlight of the evening will be hearing about Dr. Alan J. Acierno, a Schaumburg-based dentist whose DecisionOne Dental closes its office one Friday every other month to provide free dental services to Clearbrook clients.
"Honestly, the reason I do this is because the clients of Clearbrook are remarkable people that have such a love of life," Acierno says. "We are all better people just knowing and experiencing the clients of Clearbrook."
Clearbrook officials describe Acierno as a conduit for change, who leads and inspires by example. He became involved with serving Clearbrook in response to state budget cuts, which took away preventive dentistry.
"These individuals have been forgotten," Acierno said. "I hear politicians always say they care about people, but then they turn their backs on the individuals that need it most."
For the last five years, Acierno's office has provided diagnostic services, deep cleaning, extractions and fillings. Clearbrook officials estimate Acierno's offices have seen more than 140 clients and saved the agency $500,000.
Acierno is CEO of DecisionOne Dental Partners, which has 27 offices in all, including ones in Elk Grove Village, St. Charles, Lake in the Hills and Cary, and he encourages staff at those locations to do the same.
Proceeds from the ball will help underwrite Clearbrook's residential and day programs - located in 22 communities across the suburbs - as well as its therapies for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The black-tie gala begins with cocktails and a silent auction at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a live auction at 7:30 p.m. Some of its live auction items include a stay at the Ritz Carlton Aruba or at a luxury resort in Santorini, Greece.
There also will be drawings for a $5,000 cash raffle prize and a $1,000 Crate & Barrel gift card. Music will be provided by The Dan Hayes Orchestra.
Tickets are $500 and sponsorships remain available. For more information, visit www.clearbrook.org/ssb.
If you go
What: Clearbrook's 31st annual Shining Star Ball
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 26
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 120 E. Delaware Place, Chicago
Cost: $500 per person
Tickets and details: <a href="https://www.clearbrook.org/event/ssb/">www.clearbrook.org/event/ssb/</a>